India successfully test-fires Prithvi-II, Agni-I and Akash Prime missiles in major defence milestone

India on Thursday successfully test-fired two of its key strategic assets — the short-range ballistic missile Prithvi-II and the nuclear-capable Agni-I — from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, marking a significant stride in bolstering the nation’s defence capabilities.

According to officials from the Ministry of Defence, both launches were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command as part of routine training and validation exercises.

“The missiles achieved all operational objectives and technical parameters,” the Ministry said in a statement, confirming the successful validation of crucial capabilities and the continued reliability of India's indigenous missile systems.

Strengthening strategic deterrence

The test-firing of Prithvi-II and Agni-I, two vital components of India’s strategic deterrent, reaffirms the country’s commitment to maintaining a credible minimum deterrence posture.

These missiles, developed indigenously, form an integral part of India’s nuclear delivery arsenal. Defence officials highlighted that the tests demonstrate India’s growing prowess in advanced missile technology and its readiness to respond to emerging regional threats.

Akash Prime tested in high-altitude Ladakh

Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, the Indian Army conducted a successful trial of the Akash Prime air defence system at an altitude of around 15,000 feet in the Ladakh sector — a region known for its harsh terrain and thin atmosphere.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash Prime system was tested in the presence of senior officials from the Army’s Air Defence corps and DRDO leadership.

During the trial, the surface-to-air missiles intercepted and destroyed two high-speed aerial targets with remarkable precision, demonstrating the system’s enhanced accuracy and effectiveness in high-altitude operations.

Officials confirmed that Akash Prime will be deployed in the Indian Army’s third and fourth Akash regiments, significantly boosting the nation’s aerial shield in mountainous border regions.

Operational edge and indigenous strength

Defence sources noted that the Akash Prime played a critical role in Operation Sindoor, where it successfully countered aerial threats, including Chinese fighter aircraft and Turkish drones used by Pakistani forces.

The latest trial, conducted as part of the First of Production Model (FoPM) firing programme, is expected to pave the way for timely induction and operational deployment along high-altitude frontiers.

Leadership commends defence achievement

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Army, DRDO, and industry partners for the successful trials. He called the back-to-back successes a major leap in enhancing India’s air defence capability, especially in challenging high-altitude environments.

Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat also lauded the teams involved, stating that these trials reaffirm India’s ability to meet critical air defence requirements through indigenous technology.

Together, these successful tests mark a substantial leap forward in India’s mission to build a self-reliant, technologically advanced, and globally respected defence infrastructure.

—  With inputs from agencies